This crisis exposes real gaps in America’s diplomatic readiness. For months, AFSA has warned that the State Department’s capacity has been weakened as the result of layoffs and forced departures.
Read AFSA's statement: https://afsa.org/afsa-statement-middle-east-conflict
War & rising nuclear tensions have put diplomacy back at the center of global security. The latest FSJ takes a close look at nuclear security—with insights from experts who’ve been there—and features AFSA leadership’s position on strengthening the FS at a critical moment.
➡️ afsa.org/foreign-serv...
Waste Land book cover: white text on a dark background and a small black and white image of armed soldiers near the top, with a small image of a world map along the bottom.
“In his new book, 𝘞𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦 𝘓𝘢𝘯𝘥, Robert D. Kaplan goes full pessimist.”
What can the foreign affairs community learn from Kaplan’s dark analyses? Find out in Joseph Novak’s review, “An Unsettling View of the Global Landscape.”
🔗 afsa.org/sites/defaul...
@penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social
A sketch of an elephant carrying a rider on its back and a large log in its trunk.
Real-world diplomacy 🤝 rugged road-clearing … Veteran FSO Dick Virden reflects on an unusual (and uniquely successful) assignment in “Logrolling in Central Thailand.”
🔗 afsa.org/logrolling-r...
A Shining Path poster from 1985 showing a man carrying a flag with a serious expression, and an armed crowd shouting, below. The poster highlights the “armed struggle” and illustrates the “cult of personality” surrounding Shining Path leader Abimael Guzmán.
What drives people to join extremist movements? Ambassador Stephen G. McFarland’s article on guerrilla recruitment in Peru offers rare on-the-ground insight.
🔗 afsa.org/lightning-cl...
A good reminder of the depth, breadth, and important work of the U.S. Foreign Service.
abcnews.go.com/US/diplomati...
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Opinion article co-authored by ASTMH CEO Jamie Bay Nishi with U.S. Foreign Service veteran Troy Fitrell for the latest issue of The Foreign Service Journal. #FSJ @JBayNishi
afsa.org/states-oppor...
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield and President Ellen Sirleaf smile as they sit to enjoy a private chat in Monrovia, Liberia.
How does a diplomat earn the title of “The People’s Ambassador”? AFSA’s Lifetime Contributions to American Diplomacy Award winner Linda Thomas-Greenfield tells us.
➡️ afsa.org/peoples-amba...
cover of the January-February 2026 Foreign Service Journal picturing a globe made up of pictures of Foreign Service officers at work in office and outdoor settings, around the world.
Our first edition of 2026 highlights AFSA award winners, the costs of the Oct. 2025 govt. shutdown, a foray into Eastern Türkiye, and more.
➡️ afsa.org/foreign-serv...
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